Introduction
In the case of BBA entrance exams in India, there is a dilemma that arises among students: which exam to take. Whereas, IPMAT provides entry into not only prestigious IIM Indore or IIM Rohtak, alternative tests are equally good; NPAT, SET, and CUET all provide entry into the highly sought-after private universities.
To make it easy, we will compare these exams in terms of syllabus, sections and level of difficulty.
What is IPMAT?
Overview
IPMAT (Integrated Program in Management Aptitude Test) is an examination which allows admissions to IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak in their 5-year Integrated Program in Management (IPM).
It is among the most difficult BBA entrance exams as it not only evaluates a person on a higher level of quantitative aptitude, but also verbal thinking.
Exam Pattern
| Section | IIM Indore | IIM Rohtak |
| Quantitative Ability (MCQ) | 30 | 40 |
| Quantitative Ability (Short Answer) | 15 | – |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | 45 | 40 |
| Logical Reasoning | – | 40 |
| Total Questions | 90 | 120 |
Difficulty Level
- Quantitative Ability: High (includes topics up to Class 12 like matrices, calculus)
- Verbal Ability: Moderate to high
- Logical Reasoning: Only in IPMAT Rohtak
Ideal For: Students who are strong in mathematics and analytical reasoning, aiming for IIMs.
JIPMAT: The Balanced Alternative
Overview
JIPMAT (Joint Integrated Program in Management Admission Test) is conducted for admission to IIM Jammu and IIM Bodh Gaya.
Exam Pattern
| Section | No. of Questions |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 33 |
| Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation | 33 |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | 34 |
| Total | 100 |
Differences between JIPMAT and IPMAT.
- Simple math part – does not include hard math and higher level math (calculus, matrices etc.).
- Increased focus on reasoning
- Perfectly suited to those students who desire a medium-level IIM route.
NPAT: The NMIMS Gateway
NPAT (NMIMS Programs After Twelfth) is conducted by NMIMS University for admission to BBA, B.Com (Hons.), and other UG programs.
Exam Structure
| Section | No. of Questions |
| Quantitative & Numerical Ability | 40 |
| Reasoning & General Intelligence | 40 |
| Proficiency in English | 40 |
| Total | 120 |
Comparison with IPMAT
- No short-answer questions.
- Moderate math level.
- Greater focus on reasoning and general aptitude.
Perfect for students looking for NMIMS’s brand value without advanced math pressure
SET: Symbiosis Entrance Test
SET is conducted by Symbiosis International University (SIU) for its BBA program.
Exam Pattern
| Section | No. of Questions |
| General English | 16 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 16 |
| General Awareness | 16 |
| Analytical & Logical Reasoning | 12 |
| Total | 60 |
Differences from IPMAT
- No higher-level math (basic arithmetic, algebra only).
- Includes General Awareness, unlike IPMAT.
- Easier difficulty level overall.
CUET (UG): The National-Level Multi-University Exam
Exam Pattern
| Section | Topics Covered |
| Language Test | Grammar, Comprehension, Vocabulary |
| Domain-Specific Subjects | Business Studies, Economics, Accountancy, Mathematics |
| General Test | Logical Reasoning, Current Affairs, Data Interpretation |
How It Differs from IPMAT
- Tests subject knowledge rather than reasoning.
- Includes language and general awareness sections.
- Suitable for students targeting Delhi University and other central universities.
Christ University Entrance Test
Exam Pattern
| Section | No. of Questions |
| Fundamental Mathematics | 20 |
| English Language | 20 |
| Reasoning & Data Analysis | 20 |
| General Knowledge & Current Affairs | 20 |
| Total | 80 |
Comparison with IPMAT
- Lower math level.
- More focus on GK and current affairs.
- Shorter duration than IPMAT.
Comparative Table: IPMAT vs Other BBA Entrance Exams
| Exam | Math Level | Reasoning Section | English Focus | GK Included | Difficulty |
| IPMAT | Advanced (Class 12) | Yes (Rohtak only) | High | No | Hard |
| JIPMAT | Moderate | Yes | Moderate | No | Medium |
| NPAT | Moderate | Yes | High | No | Medium |
| SET | Basic | Yes | High | Yes | Easy |
| CUET (UG) | Varies by domain | Limited | Medium | Yes | Moderate |
| Christ (CUET) | Basic | Yes | High | Yes | Easy |
Difficulty Level Comparison
- Toughest: IPMAT (especially IIM Indore)
- Moderate: JIPMAT, NPAT
- Easiest: SET, Christ
Which Exam is Best for You?
- For IIMs: IPMAT or JIPMAT
- For NMIMS: NPAT
- For Symbiosis: SET
- For Christ University: CUET (Christ)
- For Central Universities: CUET (UG)
Why Choose IPMCareers for your exam Preparation?
- Mentorship and Advanced Faculty
- Teachings by professionals who have been topping the IPMAT. Their observations can also prevent you from making mistakes and endeavor to use established processes.
- Personalized Feedback and Performance Tracking
- Receive performance reports, and personal mentorship as well as study plans that fit your pace.
- Strong Peer Community and Alumni Network
- Be part of an active group of similar-minded individuals-both future and existing winners. Group studies and peer learning is an additional advantage to your preparation.
Conclusion
Every BBA entrance exam is structured and focused. In case you are strong in math, then IPMAT will give you the highest chance of getting into the IIMs. However, JIPMAT or NPAT are excellent options in case you are interested in a balanced test. To find easier alternatives that are well valued in the university, SET and Christ are the best choices.
The trick is to have your choice of exam matched with your own ability and objectives – and early preparation is important!
FAQs
- Which is more difficult, IPMAT or JIPMAT?
IPMAT is more difficult as it entails Class 12 level maths and subjective questions unlike in JIPMAT.
- Does IPMAT include GK questions?
No, IPMAT pays attention to Quantitative and Verbal Ability.
- Which exam is the easiest in terms of syllabus?
Among the rest, SET and Christ University Entrance Test have the least difficult syllabus.
- Are there several colleges in which one exam score could be utilized?
CUET (UG) accepts applications to different central universities.
- Is coaching necessary for IPMAT?
Yes, since the advanced math and logic parts of IPMAT demand specific practice.
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